FMRV | Chapter 2

Imperial Year 813, March.

The Heinern Empire. Situated at the very heart of the continent, this empire boasted one of the largest territories, abundant resources, and an exemplary reputation as a prosperous land. Truly, it was a nation many would dream of living in.

But strength always comes with enemies, and talent inevitably attracts envy and negativity. In short, no matter how prosperous the Empire was, war was unavoidable.

“Commander Theo! There’s been a report of suspicious activity near the Rotelli Maritime Zone, under the control of Memvern!”

Currently, the Heinern Empire was actively engaged in conflict with the Kingdom of Memvern, a nation reliant on maritime trade.

Geographically, the two nations were closely connected. Heinern’s eastern border met Memvern’s on a narrow stretch of land, with the Rotelli Maritime Zone lying between them. Memvern controlled half of this zone, which, though not vast, was strategically critical. Dubbed the Silk Road, it served as a gateway to trade routes that extended into the continent. Control over this maritime zone was split between the Empire and the kingdom.

However, Memvern desired exclusive control over the Rotelli Zone and had once waged war against the Empire to claim it. Although the ongoing war had reached a tense truce, recent signs indicated that conflict might reignite.

“Was this report from the detached unit?”

“Yes, sir.”

Twellin, the capital of Heinern and home to the Imperial Army Headquarters, was the heart of the Empire’s strength. Within the army, the renowned Magic Unit Force, comprised of those skilled in the mysterious power of magic, was hailed as the finest among all military divisions.

The Imperial Army Territory, a circular zone surrounding the Imperial Palace, symbolized the Empire’s commitment to protecting its capital and its heart at all costs.

“How many troops are stationed in the Eastern Division?”

“Currently, the 3rd Division and a detached unit dispatched from the capital are defending it.”

Among the Empire’s forces, none were as highly regarded as Theo Redrick. Commander of the 1st Division and a widely acknowledged candidate for the next Commander in Chief, Theo was the embodiment of excellence.

“I’ll report this to the Commander in Chief myself.”

“Yes, sir. What should we relay to the Eastern Division?”

Theo paused to think. The subordinate officer waited patiently, not wanting to interrupt.

People often assumed that soldiers were all brawn and no brains due to their physically demanding jobs. But to be an exceptional soldier, one needed to excel in strategy as much as combat. Theo, with his sharp features, robust frame, and towering height exceeding 190 cm, looked every inch the quintessential soldier. Yet, those under his command knew better.

Theo was a man of sharp intellect.

He always proposed the most efficient, rational solutions with the least casualties. His relentless dedication to protecting his troops earned him a track record of victory and minimized losses. Every battlefield Theo led became a stage for record-breaking achievements.

“Tell them not to move until I’ve reported to the Commander in Chief. Memvern is far more skilled in maritime combat than we are. A preemptive strike might backfire. Let them wait quietly until the enemy becomes impatient and makes their move toward the land.”

“Yes, sir. I’ll relay that immediately.”

“Oh, and one more thing.”

“Your orders?”

“Tell Commander Luke to absolutely avoid any reckless actions. Under no circumstances.”

“…Yes, sir!”

As the officer saluted and turned to leave, another soldier from the communication unit burst into the room.

“C-Commander!”

Theo immediately felt a sinking sense of foreboding, an all-too-familiar déjà vu.

“What’s going on?”

“There’s a report from the 3rd Division’s commander. It seems Commander Luke has taken troops from the detached unit and headed for the suspected enemy position in the maritime zone!”

Theo frowned deeply. Letting out a sharp sigh, he glanced at the two officers, who stiffened as if anticipating trouble.

“Prepare for immediate deployment to the Eastern Division. I’ll leave the report to the Commander in Chief to you.”

“Yes, sir!”

Theo moved quickly, accompanied by a mage specializing in warp magic to reach the Magic Preservation Zone. Although Theo could perform basic warp spells, relying on a specialist ensured efficiency.

The Magic Preservation Zone was an area saturated with magic in the air, specifically designated for high-precision warp travel.

“Make it quick.”

“Yes, Commander.”

The mage muttered a short incantation, and a light enveloped Theo, gradually obscuring his form until he vanished.

Eastern Division, Heinern Empire.

As Theo arrived, Mile Kaylus, the commander of the 3rd Division, greeted him, as if expecting his arrival.

“Theo, I figured you’d show up.”

“Mile, where’s Luke?”

“Just like the report said. He’s gone rogue again. That rat.”

Mile ruffled his hair in frustration, sighing heavily.

“Mile, there are other subordinates around. Watch your words when speaking about another commander.”

“Ugh, Theo, you’re too damn nice for your own good.”

“When did Luke deploy?”

“About an hour ago. We only realized after he was already on the move, so the timing’s not exact.”

An hour ago. That would’ve been around the time the detached unit first reported suspicious activity.

“You noticed, didn’t you?”

Mile smirked knowingly.

“That bastard reported the activity to us and then charged in right after. He was already planning it.”

“…We’re going after him.”

“You’re serious? Why should we clean up after some reckless idiot? Theo, let him learn his lesson for once.”

Mile’s outburst caused the nearby soldiers to glance nervously at each other.

“Sorry, but my patience hasn’t run out just yet.”

At that moment, a shimmering distortion in the air drew everyone’s attention. A figure emerged—silver hair fluttering in the breeze.

Mile’s expression darkened instantly.

“Commander Luke, you…”

Before Mile could finish, Theo surged forward, fire erupting from his hand as he launched an attack toward Luke.

“Wait, Theo—!”

Mile reached out to stop him, but it was too late. Flames crashed against Luke’s defensive barrier with a deafening explosion, smoke billowing in its wake. The soldiers instinctively cast their own protective spells.

“Quite the dramatic greeting.”

Luke, who had raised his barrier in record time, glared at Theo.

“What the hell are you doing?”

Theo’s expression was ice-cold as he responded.

“Shouldn’t I be asking you that? Your enemy isn’t me but those beyond the sea.”

“Commander Theo, that’s not the issue here. Why did you act without orders from HQ?”

“Isn’t that the whole point of a detached unit? The enemy was making moves, and I judged that striking first gave us the upper hand.”

Tension crackled between the two commanders. The surrounding soldiers eyed Luke warily, their expressions far from friendly.

“That wasn’t your decision to make. Your actions could’ve reignited the war.”

“Memvern and the Empire were only in a truce. War was inevitable. Besides, I won, didn’t I?”

“Even so, that doesn’t justify your recklessness. You endangered your unit and others stationed here. Do you still not see the severity?”

Luke let out a mocking laugh, as if amused by the whole ordeal. Mile muttered under his breath, “That bastard.”

“You love playing the saint, don’t you?”

“Luke—!”

Theo’s reprimand was cut short when blood began dripping from Luke’s forehead. Startled, Theo’s expression hardened.

“Fine, fine. I’ll file a proper report later. Happy?”

Wiping the blood from his forehead, Luke brushed past Theo. Despite his injury, not one soldier offered to help or express concern.

Mile dismissed the remaining troops, while Theo turned to the detached unit.

“Were there any casualties?”

“None, sir.”

That’s impossible. Memvern would’ve thrown everything they had into this fight to secure the Rotelli Zone. The lack of injuries made no sense.

“Actually, Commander…”

One soldier hesitated before stepping forward.

“Speak.”

“We never entered enemy territory. Commander Luke told us to stay back and cast barriers because we’d just get in the way.”

The soldiers’ frustration was palpable.

“So Luke went in alone?”

“Yes, sir.”

Theo turned slowly, his gaze fixed on the trail of blood Luke had left behind.

“Treatment’s complete.”

Luke gave a curt nod, and the medic left the tent.

“Ugh.”

Collapsing onto the makeshift bed, Luke groaned as pain wracked his body.

“Damn it… At this rate, I’ll die before the happy ending even arrives.”

One more trait to add to the list of villain qualifications:

To survive, you had to be absurdly strong.